Lewis-Roberts was part of the last Wales Six Nations squad

Sale prop Eifion Lewis-Roberts could miss the remainder of the season after injuring his knee in Friday's Premiership clash with Harlequins.

The 29-year-old Wales international has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and now faces surgery and a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Sharks head coach Mike Brewer said: "It's not looking good for Eifion.

"We need to get the swelling down over the next week or so and he will then need knee reconstruction surgery."

Lewis-Roberts signed a new three-year deal at Edgeley Park in March after rejecting approaches to play in the Magners League and the Top 14 in France.

Sale are already looking into the possibility of salary dispensation for the Welshman and then moving to replace him for the season.

But Brewer is aware it will not be an easy task.

606: DEBATE Devastating for him and for Sale. I really felt he was our best prop at the moment and he will be a huge loss. diehardshark

"We are already in the process of applying for salary dispensation. We'll do that and then look to bring in another player as a replacement for Eifion," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"In terms of possibilities, Super 14 guys don't really affect things as they all go back in for training in December. That's not really an option.

"Ideally, what you are looking is guys who are Currie Cup players or guys in New Zealand who haven't got Super 15 contracts.

"In all honesty though most of them are not up to the level we are looking for."

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